French DJ and LGBTQ+ icon carries Paralympic torch to defy past hate

In a powerful display of resilience, French performer Barbara Butch carried the Paralympic torch on Sunday evening, showcasing her strength in the face of hostility. This act comes after she faced a barrage of hate speech stemming from her appearance at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

Butch, who is a renowned DJ and a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community, expressed her determination to stand tall. “I chose not to be afraid to exist in the public space,” she told broadcaster France Info prior to her appearance with the torch at a musical event in Saint-Cloud, a suburb of Paris. She affirmed, “I know I represent France in the same way as anyone else.”

This moment of courage follows a troubling period for Butch, who has lodged a formal legal complaint due to severe online abuse. The insults and threats escalated after her captivating performance during the July 26 Olympics opening show. Butch wasn’t alone in this ordeal; five other artists, including Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremony, also reported similar harassment.

Butch revealed the extent of the backlash she faced, stating she received “tens of thousands of hate messages.” A specialized team has been working diligently to identify “hundreds of people who had sent … the most violent messages,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to seeking justice. “Justice will do its job and then we will tackle the international level,” Butch asserted.

As she embraced the spirit of the Paralympic Games, Butch joined nearly 1,000 torch bearers chosen to carry the Paralympic flame. This relay is divided into 12 torches and spans across 50 cities in France over the coming days. The event aims to highlight communities dedicated to promoting inclusion in sports and raising awareness about living with disabilities.

The list of torch bearers features a diverse group, including former Paralympians, young para athletes, volunteers from Paralympic federations, and innovators of advanced technologies. It also includes individuals who dedicate their efforts to supporting those with impairments and those involved in non-profit work for caregivers.

As the torch relay progresses, the 12 flames are set to combine once again in central Paris on Wednesday. The event will take place in front of historical landmarks, traversing the elegant boulevards and plazas of the city, culminating in a significant moment when the flame lights the cauldron during the three-hour opening ceremony.

This initiative not only celebrates the athletes and individuals involved but also underscores the importance of inclusivity and the ongoing fight against prejudice and discrimination. Butch’s actions represent a broader message of acceptance and unity against adversity, reflecting the spirit of the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Source: AP News